Group Exercise Instructor (Cardio Dance)

About the Role

Our Group Exercise Programs bring together health‑seekers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels in a fun, supportive environment where they move, groove, and sweat toward better well‑being. As a Group Exercise Instructor you will teach participants the benefits of exercise and provide a safe, healthy instructional experience, specifically teaching Cardio Dance Fit or Zumba on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 am – 10:45 am.

Responsibilities

• Protect the health, safety, and welfare of all participants by keeping the fitness area safe (e.g., racking weights, keeping floors clear, and sanitizing equipment).
• Encourage members to learn and understand the benefits of exercise and weight training and provide information about other YMCA programs.
• Answer questions and address fitness‑related concerns of members.
• Lead and/or co‑teach individual or group classes as designated by the supervisor.
• Arrive 7–10 minutes before class starts and be prepared to begin on time.
• Submit maintenance requests as needed for repairs and upkeep of fitness equipment.
• Secure a substitute if unable to attend a scheduled shift.
• Judge the appropriate fitness level for all participants.
• Set up and put away equipment as needed.
• Understand and carry out YMCA Health & Wellness Program objectives.
• Know, understand, follow, and enforce all YMCA rules, policies, People Guidelines, Code of Ethics, payroll procedures (including timesheets), and emergency procedures.
• Render first aid as needed and complete incident/accident reports for every injury or altercation.
• Attend all required meetings and trainings.
• Support Center and Association goals through effective task completion and positive interaction with peers, staff, members, and guests.
• Lead by example the Y’s mission, vision, and values and act as an ambassador for the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum age of 18 years.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Beginner‑level fitness skills with 0–1 year of prior fitness/teaching experience; must audition for the Health & Wellness Director/Coordinator before teaching.
• Nationally recognized certification in a specialty area (e.g., YMCA Group Exercise Certification, Indoor Cycling, Zumba, Les Mills, etc.).
• Current First Aid/CPR certification preferred (must be obtained within 30 days of employment).
• Growth mindset – learns quickly from failure and values feedback.
• Team‑player attitude with a positive, service‑oriented approach.
• Effective communication skills – listens for understanding and writes/speaks clearly.
• Customer‑focused – builds strong relationships and delivers customer‑centric solutions.
• Commitment to inclusion and belonging – leverages differences as strengths.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, talk, and occasionally lift and/or move items, including equipment, furniture, and/or children. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Schedule

Teach Cardio Dance Fit or Zumba on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 am – 10:45 am.